Happy’s Place Season 1, Episode 1, “Pilot” Spoilers Ahead
Either you have great taste and love Reba McEntire, or you’re wrong. There’s no in-between. For the folks who know of her prowess and will watch anything she’s in, I’m thrilled to report that NBC’s Happy’s Place is an absolute delight. Starring Melissa Peterman, Belissa Escobedo, Tokala Black Elk, Pablo Castelblanco, and Rex Linn, the show fills the void we’ve all been feeling from a lack of network sitcoms.
Like any excellent pilot episode, Happy’s Place sets up the core dynamics, introduces all the important characters, and leaves viewers with an intriguing hook in the end. Though she’s shocked to learn she has a half-sister while grieving their deceased father, Bobbie (McEntire) decides to embrace Isabella (Escobedo) into their lives and into the bar.
Happy’s Place Season 1, Episode 1 Sets Up Intriguing Character Dynamics
While the episode ends in a riveting fashion, the road to getting there isn’t smooth, and it’s filled with hilarious beats that’ll likely lead to an uproarious debut season. Happy’s Place is full of fascinating characters whose complexities are presented in such a way that they’re the reason it’s easy to come back for more. First, and while she needs no introduction, we get McEntire’s Bobbie—a sprightly, independent woman whose heart is bigger than she lets on. Then we have Isabella, an undoubtedly intelligent young woman with profound abandonment issues that’ll make her journey feel that much more rewarding.
In true Melissa Peterman fashion, we have Gabby—a delightful nuisance who should never ever change. Happy’s Place Season 1, Episode 1, “Pilot,” also introduces us to an accountant with OCD (relatable), a grumpy chef (I love him), and sunshine in human form and the type of character who’d do anything for others without ever expecting anything in return (protect him!). Steve, Emmett, and Takoda are already likable and fascinating. They each provide crucial moments of levity, which is absolutely necessary for a show that also explores grief.
The Show’s Emotional Hook Hits Hard
Like any good sitcom, we can’t just have something that’s all laughs. We need emotional means to connect with our characters, and as someone who’s also lost her father, I have a feeling I’m going to adore Bobbie and Isabella. Their sisterhood is off to a complicated start, but the series sets up a solid foundation to grow off of, and that alone is an admirable feat. Creator Kevin Abbott has a significant vision in mind, and I hope this show can have more than one season. (With the way cancellations happen nowadays, it’s hard to hope.)
Most importantly, much of the emotional hook boils down to McEntire and the fact that having her back on our screens in TV form is a comforting gem that feels necessary. The actress’ inimitable charm and innate kindness sprinkle through in every character she plays, even while she’s grumbling and calling people out. The episode doesn’t give us too much yet, but it shows us enough where it’s evident that we’re in for something special. The outstanding balance of humor and heart that fills every frame is sure to make Happy’s Place a comfort show for many viewers. I, for one, cannot wait to watch these characters grow more as this little bar becomes yet another fictional home that viewers keep wanting to return to.Â
Now streaming on NBC and Peacock: What are your thoughts on Happy’s Place Season 1, Episode 1, “Pilot?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: (Photo by: Casey Durkin/NBC)